ABSTRACT
Introduction
During exploration of the central Chilean bryophyte flora over the past 10 years, especially during the wet winter months, a species of Acaulon was collected that did not match any of the known species of the genus. Here, we present our arguments for recognising these plants as a new moss species.
Methods
The new taxon was compared morphologically with the species of Acaulon currently recognised. In addition, most of the type material of the taxa attributed to this genus was studied.
Key results and conclusions
Acaulon chilense is described and illustrated as a new moss species from Chile. It is characterised by its reddish coloration, papillose distal laminal cells, costa with homogeneous cells, strongly thickened dorsal cell walls, spores less than 30 μm in diameter, and rhizoautoicous sexuality. The morphological similarities with closely related species are discussed. A distribution map of the new species is provided. This taxon is relatively common, appearing during the wet winter months in the Mediterranean climate areas of the lowlands of central Chile.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Inmaculada Guijarro for preparing the illustrations. We thank Nicolás Lavandero and Nicolás García for organising the collecting trips to Fundo Caracas and Cerro Imán, respectively; the landowners who allowed collecting in their properties; and curators of the herbaria mentioned in the text for providing access to their bryophyte collections.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Juan Larraín
Juan Larraín is a bryologist with a research focus on floristics, conservation, taxonomy and systematics of mosses and liverworts from southern South America. He holds a Ph.D. in Botany and currently works as a consultant bryologist in Chile.
María J. Cano
María J. Cano is a full professor of botany at the University of Murcia (Spain). She holds a Ph.D. in biological sciences. Her research topics include floristics, conservation, taxonomy and phylogeny of bryophytes. Her current research focus is the taxonomy and phylogeny of different genera of Pottiaceae in South America. In previous years, she has also been involved in the project ‘Flora Briofítica Ibérica’, both as an author and an editor of several volumes.